DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven high-grade glioma confined to 1 or both hemispheres of the brain and including: Grade III astrocytoma (anaplastic astrocytoma) Grade IV astrocytoma (glioblastoma multiforme) ineligible for NCI-95-C-0069 protocol Histologic confirmation of high-grade astrocytoma by NIH neuropathology division required (including mandatory review of slides from biopsy or resection) No evidence of metastatic or leptomeningeal spread